New research to coincide with #GroundsWeek finds those who work outdoors feel more fulfilled and rewarded by their role
- 77% of outdoor workers feel rewarded and a strong sense of achievement compared to 47% of people working behind a desk
- 50% of indoor workers report a negative impact of their job on their mental health, compared to 18% of those who work outdoors
- For grounds managers, 63% “love” their job, and almost all (90%) are passionate about the sector
- This #GroundsWeek, the GMA is encouraging more people to work outdoors in sectors like grounds management or horticulture
The Grounds Management Association (GMA), the leading not-for-profit membership body for grounds professionals and volunteers, marks its annual #GroundsWeek (28th February – 6th March). This year, the GMA has released new research highlighting that people with jobs in the outdoors, including grounds staff, are more fulfilled than those who work indoors behind a desk.
It finds those who work outdoors get greater fulfilment from their roles, with 77% saying they feel rewarded and a strong sense of achievement at the end of each day. This is compared to 47% of people working behind a desk.
Now in its second year, this #GroundsWeek takes place alongside the ongoing global pandemic which has impacted every aspect of life. The research reveals that those working indoors or behind a desk feel a greater negative impact on their physical (43% vs 35%) and mental health (50% vs 18%), compared with those who work outside.
The latest research shows that 83% of indoor workers would consider a career change, with the desire to learn new things (49%), have a greater variety of daily tasks (33%), and wanting to spend more time outdoors (73%), being the most commonly cited reasons for considering a change. What’s more, over a third (34%) of indoor workers feel unfulfilled in their current roles. In contrast, 73% of outdoor workers view their current role, and its future opportunities, as a career for life.
As a result of the pandemic, the UK and other countries are witnessing the ‘great resignation’, with many people using this time as an opportunity to take stock of their personal and professional trajectories and reassess what they truly want from life.
A separate survey of over three hundred grounds staff and volunteers show high levels of satisfaction and fulfilment, finding that 63% “love” their job, and almost all (90%) are passionate about the sector. Some of the key attributes of a career in grounds management, as reported by both paid staff and volunteers, include:
- Being outdoors and active
- Taking pride in the end result
- Working in sport
- The day-to-day variety
- Working as part of a team
- Learning new skills
Geoff Webb, CEO of the GMA, says:
“Work can dominate most of our time so it’s important to consider how a job makes us feel. Grounds management is a varied and rewarding role – it gives people who love sport and outdoor activities the opportunity to work in a variety of settings like iconic sports venues, educational grounds, parks, and estates, as well as across local community sports facilities.
“Grounds staff work with skill, dedication, and passion to produce quality surfaces for sports and recreational spaces all year round. Anyone looking to stay active and feel challenged should get involved in turf care. Labelled the ‘hidden profession’, we’re now helping more young people and those outside of the sector understand what it involves, and how to get into grounds.”
With a booming sports sector in the UK and growing demand in the turf care sector for skilled talent, the GMA is encouraging more young people and those tempted by a career change to consider a career in grounds management. To encourage more young people into the sector, the GMA has been working closely with schools through its ‘Schools into Stadia’ initiative, which introduces GCSE-level school children to the art of grounds management through a series of one-day workshops, showcasing the profession as an ideal opportunity to work in an outdoor environment within sport.
The GMA is also working to elevate the grounds sector by tackling its misconceptions and upskilling the future workforce through its training and qualifications. Its annual salary framework is imperative to shaping the future of grounds management and helping employers understand minimum rates of pay based on the skills required at each level.
John Wright, Chair of the GMA Young Board, and Head Grounds Manager at Southampton FC, says:
“I joined this sector a decade ago because I love sport and the outdoors, and this is a career that allows me to be involved with both. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
“There are vast opportunities for people in this sector and career fulfilment is something that so many of us within it feel on a day-to-day basis. This #GroundsWeek, I hope young people and those who might not feel satisfied in their current job think about learning more about grounds management, because this could definitely be the right career move for them.”
For more information about the GMA and this year’s GroundsWeek campaign, visit: https://thegma.org.uk/groundsweek